VENTURA : City Water Savings Meet District Goal

Residents of the western half of the city of Ventura will not be asked to reduce their water consumption beyond the city’s rationing ordinance, despite the fact that the supplier has asked all customers to cut water use by 20%.

The city’s mandatory allocation plan approved last month more than complies with a call by the Casitas Municipal Water District for voluntary conservation by its customers.

“Our plan meets the goals of Casitas so we’re not going to pass on further cutbacks to our customers,” said John Mundy, Ventura water superintendent.

The district has threatened to impose mandatory allocations if the voluntary conservation effort is not effective.

Ventura’s water allocation plan allows 294 gallons per day for up to four people living in a single-family house. Casitas’ plan would allow about 350 gallons per day to a residence on a quarter-acre lot, with additional allocations for legal second units and increased property size.

At a meeting of large customers this week, Casitas officials outlined other plans to induce water conservation. About 3,000 brochures will be mailed to customers next week containing the potential allocations that could be imposed next year, said Richard Barnett, Casitas engineering department manager.

The district is considering whether to offer rebates for customers who install low-flow toilets, Barnett said. Those who apply for more water than their allocation may be required to have low-flow plumbing fixtures.